Barracudas are known for their powerful jaws and sharp teeth. Scuba divers love seeing them, even though the fish has a dangerous reputation. Here are some fun facts about the Great Barracuda.

• The Great Barracuda is one of 28 species in the barracuda family.

• Great Barracudas have very strong jaws. They also have under-bites; the lower jaw juts out beyond the upper jaw.

• The diet of a Great Barracuda consists almost entirely of other fish.

• Sport fishers target the Great Barracuda, although the fish is not pleasant to eat. In fact, their meat has a chance to cause Ciguatera fish poisoning, a food-borne illness that causes digestive problems.

• Barracudas are sometimes known as “tigers of the sea” in part because of their sharp, pointy teeth.

• Because of their fearsome appearance, they have a somewhat negative reputation. However, attacks on humans are extremely rare, and usually a case of mistaken identity.

• Great Barracudas have internal swim bladders which they expand or contract to adjust their position in the water.

• Great Barracudas have few natural predators. In the wild, their typical lifespan is around 14 years.

• Great Barracudas use stealth in obtaining prey. The typical strategy is to lie still and wait for a prey fish to come into striking distance.

• The Great Barracuda was added to Scubadorable on November 7th, 2007. Be sure to check out our cute Great Barracuda apparel and gifts.

First published 09/04/2011; updated for publication in 2023.

The Dwarf Seahorse is a small species of fish. They can be found in waters around the Bahamas and parts of the United States. They can vary in color; our cutie has a pleasant algae-colored body. Here are some fun facts about the Dwarf Seahorse!

• There are almost 50 species of seahorse in the world. The Dwarf Seahorse is the smallest seahorse to live in American waters, usually measuring in at under an inch at adulthood. They can grow to two inches in captivity.

• Male seahorses have brood pouches, which they use to carry eggs which have been deposited by a female.

• A group of seahorses together is called a herd.

• Guinness names the Dwarf Seahorse the slowest-moving species of fish. It travels at a top speed of just five feet per hour. Like other seahorses, these little ones swim in an upright position.

• Despite their breeding success in captivity, and their relative popularity in aquaculture, little is known about the wild habits of Dwarf Seahorses. In captivity, they can live up to about two years of age. Their average lifespan in the wild is unknown.

• The Dwarf Seahorse was added to Scubadorable on August 21st, 2007. Check out our cute seahorse apparel and gifts.

First published 08/06/2011; edited and updated for publication in 2023.

Have you noticed it's pretty hot out there? Even the ocean is feeling the heat (and that's not good). It seems we could all use some levity right about now, so here are some family friendly jokes inspired by our marine life friends.

Why did the fish blush?

Because it saw the ocean's bottom!

What made the seahorse a great detective?

He could always see something fishy going on.

Why do fish like to watch the news?

They need to keep up with current events!

Why doesn't the Clown Triggerfish like to play hide-and-seek?

Because they're always spotted!

How do fish know how much they weigh?

They have their own scales!

How does an Orca take her coffee?

Decaf-fin-ated!

Why was the nurse shark so well-respected?

Because she always provided fintastic care!

Why did the fish go to Hollywood?

He wanted to be a starfish!

Why did the Rock Beauty cross the reef?

To get to the other tide!

What do fish use for money?

Sand dollars!

Why don't fish like to play cards?

Because they're afraid of card sharks!

National Marine Week is an initiative from The Wildlife Trusts of the United Kingdom. Since the fate of the world's oceans is globally intertwined, marking this two-week long celebration is something we can do no matter where we live.

Wait, National Marine Week is two weeks long? Yes! The event lasts for a fortnight to take advantage of the ocean tides and make sure events can take place within the event period. This year the event takes place from July 22nd through August 6th, 2023. That means the event starts today!

As we set sail into National Marine Week, let's dive deep into the importance of this event that makes a splash every year. National Marine Week is a chance for us all to step back, take in a breath of fresh sea air, and truly appreciate the incredible marine world.

This celebration isn't just about our love for the beach or the beauty of clear blue waters. It's about acknowledging the astonishingly diverse life beneath those waves and the crucial role it plays in our world. And it's about doing what we can to protect our marine environments. From the tiniest plankton to the largest whale, each creature contributes to a balanced ecosystem.

So National Marine Week serves as a rallying point for marine conservation. The fact remains that our oceans and the multitude of species they house face significant threats. Pollution, climate change, over-fishing - these are realities our marine life confront daily. In fact, hot oceans have been in the news lately, and for all the wrong reasons. The National Marine Week Initiative encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to learn more about the issues facing our ocean and take actions to help preserve habitats.

What can we do to make a difference? Start small, perhaps by reducing plastic use or being mindful of sustainable seafood. Engage in beach clean-ups or support organizations that protect marine life. Educate others about the beauty of our oceans and why we need to protect them. And check out the National Marine Week webpage from The Wildlife Trusts to see what other ideas and actions are suggested.

National Marine Week reminds us of the wonder and the fragility of our oceans. It's a call to action for each of us to be a wave of change, no matter where we are, and where we are from. So let's take this opportunity to celebrate, let's learn, and most importantly, let's protect our precious marine world for generations to come. Because without blue, there is no green. And every drop in the ocean counts.

Happy National Marine Week! Let’s make waves that matter.